Sisterhood gives emotional strength, guidance
Published on: Sunday, March 18, 2018
WIFE of the Foreign Minister, Datin Sri Siti Rubiah Datuk Abdul Samad, is fond of quoting Ghanaian scholar Dr James Emmanuel Kwegyir-Aggrey (1875-1927), reportedly one of the greatest educators of the 20th century."If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation)." He had used this well-known saying to convince African parents who were more willing to allow their male children to attend missionary schools than their daughters. His message is that we should allow women to have equal access to education.ADVERTISEMENT On this score, Siti Rubiah said the Malaysian Government has put out skill development programmes, especially for rural women to learn skills to be independent. "The practice of continuously upgrading ourselves with new skills and knowledge is another way to maintain our rights. Women must have knowledge on financial planning in order to manage their resources well. It is an added value to skill training when women are taught to manage their income and livelihood."And, of course, women must be confident about their own self. Equip yourself with as much knowledge to know what you want to project and focus on," she said in her International Women's Day message.ADVERTISEMENT Saying it is also helpful to have a support system, Siti Rubiah urged women to join a sisterhood alliance such as Sabah Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Association (Swepa), Lean Sabah and Millennial Women. "Such sisterhood gives emotional strength and guidance in business."
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As Chairperson of Befrienders Kota Kinabalu, she plays an equally important role, being in the business of helping the community's well-being through her work. Introducing Befrienders Kota Kinabalu to those who might not be aware of its services, Siti Rubiah said: "We are an NGO that gives emotional support to the depressed and suicidal."It made sense when she emphasised that in order for business to flourish in our state and for all of the entrepreneurs to be successful, it is important that Befrienders create a mentally healthy environment "for you to live in, to give you the right frame of mind to be able to make rational decisions and be resilient in the challenging business world".She continued: "Women must keep healthy and that means going for regular health screening, having healthy nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle."On top of it, Siti Rubiah said it is also helpful to learn from others who have succeeded such as Dato' Elaine Teh, who is Charter President of the International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry, Malaysia (IWFCI Malaysia). "When I met Dato' Elaine in Singapore, I was first attracted to her pleasant demeanour and more so when I heard of her achievements and her commitment to help other women succeed. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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This reflects her selfless nature."According to Siti Rubiah, one of Elaine's charitable projects is mentoring and helping single mothers in Beladin, Sarawak, to acquire skills to be financially independent. - Mary Chin